The Budapest General Assembly adopted a new regulation on Wednesday governing the use of fireworks for entertainment purposes, effectively tightening restrictions on New Year’s Eve celebrations. The proposal, submitted by Deputy Mayor András Béres and Mayor Gergely Karácsony, passed with 21 votes in favour and 11 abstentions.
Under Hungary’s national rules, adults may use certain types of fireworks without a permit between 6pm on 31 December and 6am on 1 January. However, city officials argued that the resulting noise and air pollution infringe on residents’ right to a healthy environment and rest, justifying the need for stricter local measures.
The new municipal decree, which takes effect on 15 December, limits firework use in Budapest to a six-hour period and bans it entirely in designated protected zones. In highly protected areas, fireworks will be prohibited year-round. Specifically, the use of Class 2 and 3 pyrotechnic products will be illegal across the city before 8pm on 31 December and after 2am on 1 January, as well as throughout New Year’s Eve and Day in protected areas.
During the same session, the Assembly approved several other measures. It renewed a green-space maintenance grant for residential neighbourhoods in 2026 with an increased budget of 50 million forints. Members also authorized Budapest Spas and Thermal Baths Co. (BGYH) to take out 60 million euros in loans—pending government approval—for the renovation of the Gellért, Rác, and Széchenyi baths.
Other initiatives included a proposal to extend the national housing loan programme to young people raised in state care, an order for the city’s transport company to introduce e-paper-based passenger information screens at stops, and a decision to publish accessibility details for cultural and recreational venues on municipal websites.
The Assembly also reaffirmed its support for Budapest’s two-tier municipal system—comprising citywide and district governments—following debate on proposals that could alter the current structure.
Related articles:
